U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Dispute Resolution in the Space Age: Forensic Applications of Earth Observation Satellite Data Through Adaptation of Technical Standards Similar to DNA Fingerprinting Protocols

NCJ Number
123347
Journal
Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 19-73
Author(s)
B S Marks
Date Published
1989
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of earth satellite data as evidence in dispute resolution processes.
Abstract
Satellite remote sensing of the earth is a technique for measuring the properties of the earth's land, ocean surface, and atmosphere from space. When remote sensing information has been introduced in litigation, it has usually been to document conditions over a large or inaccessible geographical area, to document transient or intermittent conditions, and to provide a visual representation of conditions primarily documented by more conventional types of evidence. Technical standards and protocols to ensure admissibility of remote sensing data could parallel that of DNA fingerprinting. The communication of such data requires neutral experts. In discussing the use of remote sensing data in dispute resolution mechanisms, this article presents a dispute resolution process model tailored to facilitate application of neutral expertise and addresses the application of remote sensing information for technical or evidentiary support of dispute resolution. A case example of such an application is provided. 132 footnotes.